Saturday, February 9, 2008

Deccan Herald - Water connection charges hiked: "The Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) has hiked the pro-rata charges the one-time payment for new water connections for commercial and multi-storey residential buildings with effect from February 1.

Highly placed sources told Deccan Herald that the BWSSB board has approved the increase and zonal offices have been intimated about it.

The hike has been effected to generate additional funds for development works.

The last revision was effected in December 1999.

The rates have been hiked by Rs 10 per square metre for residences, Rs 40 per sq metre for apartments and Rs 60 per sq metre for commercial establishments. One half of the amount is for water supply and the rest for sanitation.

Residences having second floor and above with sital area of 1,200 sq feet and above will now have to pay Rs 150 per square metre instead of Rs 140.

All apartments, irrespective of sital area, will have to pay Rs 200 per sq metre in place of the earlier Rs 160. Commercial buildings, irrespective of sital area, have to pay Rs 300 per square metre in place of the Rs 240.Government buildings will continue to be charged Rs 240 per sq metre.

Applications submitted till January 31, will be processed as per the old rates. For applications submitted after January 31, the new rates apply.

The hike took unawares those who came to apply for new connections at Cauvery Bhavan on Friday.

Some residents of Pai Layout, Benniganahalli, were shocked when asked to pay more. “It is unfortunate. We want to know if the news is true or not?” asked a resident."